The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a cautionary advisory to pilots and airline operators in light of an anticipated three-day dust haze expected to sweep across the country this week. The warning comes following a weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), alerting the public to the potential deterioration in visibility due to observed dust haze.
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday, predicts a moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the North, and similar conditions with localized horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m over the North-Central region. The forecast extends to include dust haze over the inland areas of the South and the coastal regions throughout the specified period.
The acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasized the importance of vigilance during this weather condition. Pilots and airline operators are urged to stay updated on weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
NiMet’s advisory also includes precautions for the general public, advising the use of face masks in areas with suspended dust particles. People with asthma and respiratory issues are cautioned to be careful, and special attention is recommended for the skin, eyes, and lips. The public is urged to moisturize their skin and lips to minimize the impact of the dust haze.
Airline passengers are encouraged to exercise patience and understanding during this period, considering potential disruptions or delays that may arise due to the weather conditions.
